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KIRBYE'S 



ORIGINAL 



.SECOND-SIGHT MYSTERY 



PRETENDED CLAIRVOYANCE 



EXPOSED. 



AS PRACTICED AND PERFORMED BY PROF. HELLER, MISS 
LOOMISS, THE SCOTCH GIANTS, AND OTHERS. 



NEW YORK 



FOR THE A I THOR, 




P. F. HARRIS, PI'BMSHER, 

No. 102 NASSAU STREET. 

1855. 



I 



KIRBYE'S 



ORIGINAL 



SECOND-SIGHT MYSTERY 



PRETENDED CLAIRVOYANCE 



EXPOSED. 



Q.\Y. Kivbue 



PRACTICED AND PERFORMED BY PROF. HELLER, MISS 
LOOMISS, THE SCOTCH GIANTS, AND OTHERS. 







NEW YORK: 

FOR THE AUTHOR, 

P. F. HARRIS, PUBLISHER, 

No. 102 NASSAU STREET. 
1855. • 









NOTICE. 

The Science of " Second Sight'* teaches any person the true 
method by which they are enabled, through the medium of sound, 
to distinguish the color, name, and quality of any articles that 
may be held in the hands of an operator. Also, to tell the number > 
dates, quantity, time, direction, etc., during which time the sub- 
ject may be satisfactorily blindfolded > or even placed in some 
other apartment, will readily describe all the above-named orders 
to which it belongs, thus making it a highly interesting exhibi- 
tion of ingenuity and talent. It is not expected, however, that 
every person who reads this little book intends putting the ex- 
amples into practice, but the reading of it once through is well 
worth the price asked for it, and a gratification to know that the 
" secret is out." 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by 

P. F. HAERIS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. 



Mail Stereotype Edition $1, to any part of the U. States. 



PREFACE. 



As a great deal of anxiety has been manifested in every 
part of the community respecting this very successful and 
ingenious method of silent telegraphing, or, in other 
terms, the phenomena of Second Sight, or seeing with- 
out eyes, and by many called " Clairvoyance," for this 
reason I feel it my duty, as well as a gratification to my- 
self and others, to make some comment upon the subject, 
together with a brief explanation of the manner in which 
it may be performed. 

When the " Second-SiGHT Mystery" was first produced, 
it was not intended for a speculative trick, or to be intro- 
duced before the fashionable assemblages of our theaters, 
museums, and public places of amusement, but was simply 
designed for the social circle and fireside amusement. We 
could scarcely conceive of a more pleasant yet innocent 
recreation than that of the present method of seeing, as it 
were, without the use of our eyes. One of the party being 
brought forward, and carefully blindfolded, or even placed 
in an adjoining room, may readily conceive the name and 
description of every article held in the hands of the oppo- 
site party, without the least recourse to bribery or accom- 
plicy. We are well aware that even all the principal 
tricks of jugglers, magicians, etc., as practiced at present, 
are accomplished by means of collusion through a third 
person. But in the present no such recourse is necessary, 
as any two persons, by committing to memory the follow- 
ing examples, are enabled to perform the experiment of 
second sight. I am well satisfied that there are at present 



% PREFACE* 

numerous professors of mesmerism and pretended clair- 
voyants who are continually impressing upon the minds 
of the public that they, the clairvoyants, are enabled, 
through the medium of electro or animal magnetism, to 
distinguish and describe foreign lands, hidden treasures, 
and even to tell the thoughts of those whom they never 
seen, or could not have had any correspondence whatever 

All this they profess to do without any recourse to bribery 
or the optical vision. 

This illusion they have carried very successful for a 
number of years, and in fact the community never recog- 
nized the second sight under any other circumstances 
than when connected with demonstrations of their so- 
called clairvoyance. I have frequently, when exhibiting 
this experiment in various parts of the country, been very 
much annoyed by sudden contentions, arising out of incon- 
ceivable ideas respecting the manner of correspondence. 

One says it is clairvoyance, another mesmerism, or 
ssychology ; some say it is a spiritual manifestation, others 
pay ventriloquism. Thus we see many ideas advanced by 
many different people ; yet all are totally ignorant of the 
true method of its accomplishment. A careful perusal of 
the following book will scatter every erroneous idea con- 
cerning the supposed miracle. This beautiful trick has 
progressed rapidly from its infancy, and was for a great 
length of time withheld from the criticism of the public, 
and only exhibited in private circles, but recently it has 
acquired a considerable popularity, and is now daily 
astonishing the multitudes who witness its demonstrations 
with wonder and delight. 

Yours, respectfully, 

G. W. KlRBYE. 



CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 



LESSON I. 



Note. — Great care should be taken by the operator not to 
place the least stress or to emphasize upon any letter, word, or 
sound. Speak natural, loud, and distinct, in order that the sub- 
ject may hear with accuracy every sound that is uttered. The 
subject must also speak loud and distinct, so that the audience 
may hear every answer clearly. All the cues in this science are 
marked thus ; and must be impressed upon the mind of both the 
subject and the operator. But not regarded in any example of 
communication. 

A correct distinction of all colors may be known by the follow- 
ing examples : 

EXAMPLE I. 

What Color ? White. 

What is the color ? Black. 

What color is this ? Red. 

Name the color ? Blue. 

Describe the color ? Green. 

Can you tell the color of this, that, or them ? Yellow. 

What is color as near as you can tell ? Brown. 

What is color of the article ? Gray. 

Tell me what color, etc. ? Mixed. 

example II. 

Tell me the color of this handkerchief? Mixed colors; and 
Red the most prominent color, etc. 

Note. — The best method to distinguish any variety of mixed 
colors is first to distinguish the most prominent color of the article 



6 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 

by first asking any one of the above direct questions denoting its 
most prominent color, and immediately after the answer is given 
it should be repeated thus : 

Describe the color ? Green. Repeat Green ? Yes, a variety of 
mixed colors, but green is the most prominent. 

Thus all mixed colors may be known in a corresponding manner. 

LESSON II. 

TABLE OF NUMERALS. 

What Number of any article Denotes 1 

What is the Number of any article " 2 

What Number can you see of any article " 3 

What Number can you tell of any article " 4 

Count the Number of any article " 5 

Please to count the number signifies that more than five are 

to be enumerated when the signal bell may be acceded to, and 

subject commences to count slowly the number specified. Thus • 

Rino 













1 












1 2 










1 


2 3 








1 


2 


3 4 






1 


2 


3 


4 5 




1 


2 


3 


4 


5 6 


1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 7 


1 2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 8 


12 3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 9 


2 3 4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 10 



2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 



The above is only a fac-simile of the ordinary addition table (as 
1 and 5 are 6, or 10 and 5 are 15), the highest number being the 
one thought of. It would not be appropriate to adopt this princi- 
ple to enumerate more than twenty-five, as it becomes tedious to 
calculate so slowly in order to arrive at the intended number ; 
consequently I have annexed a few simple questions to denote any 
number more than 25? and less than 100. Thus : 

LESSON III. 

What Number of any article, and Ring. 30 

Repeat " " " " 35 

What is the Number of any article, and " 40 

Repeat " " " " 45 



CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 



What Number can you see of any article, and Ring. 60 
Repeat " " " " 55 

What Number can you tell of any article, and " 60 
Repeat " " " " 65 

Count the Number of any article, and " 70 

Repeat " " " " 75 

Tell me the Number of any article, and " 80 

Repeat " " M " 85 

Please to count the Number of any article, and " 90 
Repeat " " " " 95 

What three figures denote the Number " " 100 
Note. — Should the answer of any intermediate number be de- 
manded, as 37 for example, the question denoting 30 would be 
asked thus : 

What Number of, etc.? Please to count them ? 
What Number denotes 30, and the remark, "please to count? 
signifies that there were more than five more in contemplation. 
Thus the subject imagines 30, and commences to count thus, 1, 2, 
Ring. We now have by this process 32 and the five additional, as 
32+5 are 37. 

LESSON IV. 

What do I hold in my hand ? A pair of gloves. 

Are they ladies or gentlemen's gloves ? Ladies gloves. 

Now reverse the question thus : 

Are they gentleman's or ladies gloves ? Gentleman's gloves. 
(See example for color on page 5.) 

What kind of an instrument is this ? A pocket knife. (See 
color of handle, etc.) 

What number of blades ? One. 

What is the number of blades ? Two. 

What number can you see ? Three. 

What number can you tell ? Four. If more than five, refer to 
the table of Numerals. 

Here's a rare article, what is it ? A handkerchief 

What color ? White. 

What quality ? Linen 

What is the quality ? Cotton. 

Can you tell me the quality ? Silk 

Describe the quality of this or that ? Cloth. (See color.) 



8 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 

What is this ? A porte-monnaie or pocket-book. (Repeat.) 
" A porte-monnaie" or pocket-book, but which of the two is it? 
A porte-monnaie. (Reverse as in gloves.) 
What is this I hold in my hand ? A watch. 
What quality ? Silver. 
Can you tell me the quality ? It has the appearance of gold. 

Answer the question direct ? I would take it for gold. 

Can you tell me the quality ? It has the appearance of gold. 

"Appearance" of gold, what do you mean by that ? I mean, it's 
a poor example for genuine, like the owner. (N. B. For time, see 
page 11.) 

What have I in my hand ? A hat. (See color.) 

What kind of a Fancy article is this ? A snuff or tobacco box. 
box. (Reverse as in porte-monnaie, gloves, etc.) 

What does this instrument pertain to ? To music. 

Here is a very curious instrument, what is it ? A lancet. 

Describe the nature of the article I hold in my hand ? An 
opera glass. 

If you can discriminate an article through the back of your 
head, tell me what this is ? An umbrella. (See color, etc.) 

Here, what do you call this ? A cap. (See color.) 

Here, whafs this ? A cigar. 

Here, whafs this for ? A cigar case. (Repeat.) 

A case ? A cigar holder. 

What kind of an article is this ? A cane. (See color.) 

Here's a common article, what is it ? A tumbler. 

Here is something else ? A stick of some kind. 

Do you know what this is ? A toothpick. 

What quality ? Ivory. 

What quality, direct ? Silver. 

What kind ? Goose quill. 

Can you tell the quality direct ? Gold. 

Here is an article of great value, what is it ? A pair of spec- 
tacles. (See quality, etc.) 

The gentleman desires you to name this article ? A boot. 

The gentleman is anxious you tell what this is ? A shoe. 

I believe I am puzzled to know what this is, can you tell ? 
Curiosity (curiosity), spoken with surprise ; but it is a greater cu- 
riosity for me to see and not know what you know and don't see. 

This article the owner prefers to keep ? A comb. If but one 



CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 9 

comb, answer instantly (correct); if it should be a pair of combs, 
make a slight pause between the word comb and the word correct. . 

Here is an article used by ladies, what is it ? A pencil. (See 
color and quality.) 

What is this article used for ? Soap. 

What are these ? A pair of scissors. 

Tell me what this is ? India-rubber. 

Please to tell me what these are ? A pair of tweezers. 

Will you tell me what this is ? A pocket-slate. 

Here's a lady's favorite article, what is it ? A ring. (See 
quality.) 

What does this gentleman hold in his hand ? A musical in- 
strument. 

What does this lady hold in her hand ? A bonnet. 

This is of some importance, what is it ? A penny. 

Here is still something else ? A string or line. A string ? 
Yes, tape. 

Here is an exceeding common article, what is it? A book. 
Correct. Should the word a book be repeated it signifies a blank 
book. (See comb, for example.) 

What kind of a book ? A map. 

Name this 1 A nail. 

Hand me some other article, but never mind, — A screw. 

A screw ? A corkscrew. 

What do you see in my hand ? A bottle. 

What does this box contain, or for ? A match box. 

What kind of a box is this ? A cap box. 

What qualify of box is this ? A fancy or toilet box. 

What kind of money or coin is this ? It is no money. 

What is it then ? A medal. 

What is this glass for ? An eye glass. 

A gent's favorite article ? A watch guard. 

Repeat a watch guard ? A watch chain. (See quality.) » 

What does this belong to? A watch. 

What part ? The seal. (See quality.) 

What part of apparel is this ? A lady's shawl. 

Name this for the lady or. gent, as the ca^e may be ? A ribbon. 

Tell the lady or gent what this is ? Lace. 

What do ladies use this for ? Thread. 

Can you tell what this is ? A key. f Remark. ) A key ? A safe key. 



10 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 

What is this key used for ? A door key. 

When is this key used ? At night, or night key. 

What do you think it is used for ? A trunk key. 

What use does the oioner make of it ? A watch key. 

What quality of key ? Iron. 

Can you tell me the quality ? Brass. 

Cnn you tell me the quality direct? Gold. 

Can you tell me what these are ? A bunch of keys. 

Count the number ? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. (If more than five then resort 
to the bell as before ) 

Here's an article — I scarcely know what it is myself? A stone. 
(Remark.) A stone ? A marble. 

What color ? White. 

What is it used for ? Chalk. 

What color is this stone, and what is it used for ? Bed chalk. 

This is something of vast importance to every man, what is it? A 
piece of money or coin. 

What quality 1 Silver. 

What value ? Three cents. 

How much value ? Five cents. 

How much is the value ? Six and a quarter cents. 

How much is it vwrth ? Ten cents. 

What value is this coin ? Twenty-five cents. 

What is it worth ? Fifty cents. 

What is this coin worth ? One dollar. 

This is something of vast importance, etc. 

Can you tell me the quality direct ? txold coin. 

What value ? One dollar. 

How much value 1 Two dollars and fifty cents. 

How much is the value ? Three dollars. 

Of how much is the value ? Five dollars. 

What is this coin worth 1 Ten dollars. 

What is the extreme value of this coin ? Twenty dollars. 

What two figures denote its value? Fifty dollars. 

What kind of a book is this, or the gentleman has just handed 
me a valuable book, etc. ? It is no book. 

What is it then ? A bank note. 

What value ? One dollar. 

How much value ? Two dollars. 

How much is the value ? Three dollars. 

How much is it worth ? Four dollnrs. 

Of how much is the value ? Five dollars. 

How much is this note worth ? Ten dollars. 

What is the extreme value of this note ? Twenty dollars. 

What two figures denote its denomination ? Fifty dollars. 

What three figures denote its denomination ? One hundred 
dollars. 

What state ? The present state. 

What city or town ? The present. 



CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 11 

What day ? What week ? What time ? What date, etc. ? Al- 
ways the present subject then in view. Example : 

What day did he or she go ? To-day. 

What year ? 1854, etc 

The following examples are calculated to denote within fifteen 
minutes of any required time 

From these examples we find but two hours specified by the 
questions. And it is expected that every subject, when about to 
perform this experiment, can certainly judge within two hours of 
the correct time. 

Thus he can apply the following rule at any time, day or night 
Should the hands of the watch or clock be at great variance with 
the correct time, you may then refer to the numeral table to find 
out the figures denoting such time. Then add this rule, and you 
can not fail to arrive at the correct time denoted by such watch, 
let it be right or wrong. 

What time is it by this watch ? (Ring.) Eight o'clock exactly, 
or one hour before the time designed to be answered. 

W r hat time is it now ? (Ring.) Fifteen minutes after eight. 

What time at present ? (Ring.) Half-past eight. 

Can you tell the time ? (Ring ) Fifteen minutes to nine o'clock. 

What time is it by this watch ? Nine o'clock. (The exact in- 
termediate time designed to be answered.) 

What time is it now ? Fifteen minutes after nine. 

What time at present ? Half-past nine. 

Can you tell the time ? Fifteen minutes to ten o'clock. 

What is the exact time ? Ten o'clock. 

BELL QUESTIONS. 

Bell questions are voluntary terms made use of, and not being 
a direct question put to the subject ; but the remark made to ter- 
minate by one stroke of the bell. By this process it seems that the 
bell is the only medium by which the intelligence is given ; thus 
it always confounds the mind of the spectator, how that, by the 
same one direct and only sound of the signal bell, could give suf- 
ficient intelligence for the explanation of the color and quality of 
a difficult article (say the entire description of a watch, and time 
likewise). In order to make this appear plain I have annexed a 
few examples. Thus, addressing the persons present: 

Subjects are enabled by this process to see as it were any article 
in possession of another. Ring. A lady's muff. 

Some very industrious person must have brought this article. 
Ring. A thimble. 

I loill pass this article out of my hand into that of yours, sir. 
Ring. A money purse. 

Observe, if you please, how every article is named correctly ? 
Ring. Tobacco. 

It does seem a mystery even to mo to see and know how this trick 
is accomplished. Ring. A miniature. 



12 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 

Many persons would be easily convinced that this was actually clair- 
voyance, but we repeat tb's is a trick forever. Pung. A lady's vail. 

This trick is well calculated to confound the minds of many in- 
telligent men. Ring. A letter. 

This trick is susceptible of being carriecU;to a greater perfection 
than this. Ring. A card. 

We make many mistakes but seldom detected. Ring. A neck- 
lace, or pertaining to the neck. 

I wonder if the subject foresees the articles held up. Ring. A 
garment. 

We admit of this as being a trick only, yet a very novel one too. 
Ring. A paper. Ring. A newspaper. 

This principle so frequently manifested, I was a going to say by gen- 
tlemen, but never mind. Ring. A rule. Ring. A tape line or rule. 

Ah! this is handsome enough. Ring. A breast pin. 

The subject sees these articles as readily as you do. Ring. A 
looking-glass. 

A toy may be known by one full stroke of the bell, during a 
short interval, say five seconds, or thereabouts. 

An ornament may be known by a half or condensed stroke of the 
bell, by making one stroke and immediately touching the bell with 
the ends of the fingers, stopping off the sound 

Inclose this article in your hand. Ring. A buckle. 

This is a precious good trick, yet there are but few who can carry 
it out successfully. Ring. A lock of hair. 

Young man, hold that - in your hand. Ring. There's a button 
for you. 

It matters not what the articles are, but all will be readily de- 
scribed alike. Ring. A check. Repeat a check. A pass check. 

What is this check used for ? A baggage check. 

Produce any article you please for description. Ring. A keep- 
sake. 

This is a — — (Interrupted by a — ). Ring. • A lady's reticule. 

It's surprising to see how articles are described so accurately. 
Ring. Scaling wax. 

I thank you for that. Ring. A piece of candy. 

Seeing this is pretty good, I guess I'll keep it. Ring. Per- 
fumery, 

More of this would be agreeable. Ring. Fruit. 

Have you any more of the same sort ? Ring. Pass that spice 
over this way. 

Well ! well ! what next will people hand up ? Ring. A file. 

Communications in this science are simple enough for any one to 
acquire in a short time. Ring. A brush. (Correct.) Repeat a 
brush ! A tooth brush. 

It becomes very difficult to describe articles, particularly if we 
do not know what they are. Ring. Dental or surgical instrument. 

Which is it, the first or last named instrument ? The first, or a 
dental instrument. (Reverse for the opposite.) 



CLARVOYANCE EXPOSED. 13 

I presume he or she can tell what it is. Ring. Kneedles. 
{Repeat ring.) Pins. 

BELL EXERCISES 
Are only repeated strokes of the bell denoting the time when the 
articles are held up without using any language as a corresponding 
medium. (See example.) 

Ring. 1. A pair of gloves. 

m 2. A handkerchief. 

" 3. A hat. 

" 4. A black hat. 

" 5. A cap. 

" 6. A black cap, _ 

" 7. A lady. 

" 8. A lady's hand. 

" 9. A lady's bonnet. 

" 10. A garment. * 

" 11. A nose. 

M 12. A rumsucker's nose (changing to another). 

" 13. He professes to be a gentleman. 

" 14. Deeply in love. 

M 15. With ladies and whisky. 

" 16. Shall I count the ladies he loves ? 

** 17. {This ring denotes yes.) 

" 18. 1,2,3,4,5,6.7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12,13,14, 15,16,17, 
18, 19, 20. {Interrupted.) Hold on ! hold on ! 

Why does he love so many ? He follows your example. 
What example ? To fall in love with all he meets, whether they 
be white or black. 

That will do, I perceive you know it all. 

Note. — The operator during these exercises should be very care- 
ful to know that he can procure the above list of articles, or at 
least a similar list which he can arrange at any time with his sub- 
ject ; you can also change your list each evening at pleasure, and 
not be confined exclusively to the above m 'moranda. 

Note. — The following examples will correctly denote any cen- 
tury or date, from 1854 back to 1400. Articles or coin dated fur- 
ther back than this will seldom if ever be offered for explanation. 

EXAMPLE. 

What date is this coin or article, etc. ? 1800. 
Of what date, etc. ? 1700. 
Tell the date, etc. ? 1600. 
Can you tell the date, etc. ? 1500. 
Describe the date, etc. 1400. 

Two special questions will be given to denote 1853 and 1854, as 
so many articles are presented having one of the above dates. 
What date is this ? 1854. 
What date do you see 1 1853. 

In order to ascertain any intermediate date, as 1804 for example. 
What date, or What number can you tell ? 1804. 



14 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 

See the first example on page 13, " what date ;" by this we have 
18 or 1800, " What Number can you tell" (see page 6), we have 
4 or 04 ; thus 18-{-04 or 1804. Suppose the number to be answered 
was 1710. 

" Of what date ? Please count" 1700—1, 5, 3, 4, 5 (Ring), 
6, 7, 8, 9, 10—1710. 

Thus we have at once 1700 and 10 or 1710. 

In these examples it will be well to get a perfect knowledge of 
the tables of Numerals, and particularly the exercises of the hell. 

Now suppose the date to be 1830. Example. 
What date or number ? Ring. 1830. 

What date ? 1800. 

What number ? Ring. 30. Thus we have 1830 — a repeated 
stroke of the bell denotes five above, as usual. Thus 1830 Ring. 
183 >, and all other numbers to be calculated in the same manner. 
(See page 7.) 

In no case must the subject name the century until he has first 
ascertained the additional number of years, as in 1710, 6 * of what 
date," must be borne in mind until the remaining numbers be cal- 
culated, thus answering two questions at once, "Of what date ?" 
" Please count?" Thus 1710.* 

The following examples denote the month and day of the month. 

Note. — To find out the day of the month refer to the bell exer- 
cises in table of Numerals, on page 13. 

What month ? January. 

What is the month ? February. 

W T hat month was it ? March. 

What month do you say it was ? April. 

Name the month ? May. 

Please name the month ? June. 

Could you name the month ? July. 

Will you tell us the month ? August. 

Tell us the month ? September. 

Can you tell the month ?■ October. 

What month do you think it was ? November. 

Describe the month ? December. 

The following three questions denote the location of any person 
present. 

Point to the person ? (For example.) Center. 

Can you point to the, etc. " Right. 

Will you point to the, etc. " Left. 

In order to ascertain any desired number the following examples 
of silent telegraphing may be acceded to, thus : we wish to ascer- 
tain the number of 143 ; one stroke of the bell being given, the 
subject and operator both begin counting in their mind, keeping 
the exact time by practice ; and so soon as the operator arrives at 
the required figure, strikes the bell once, then returns to count 

* It was impossible to give the correct date without first uniting two distinct 
questions by the word " or." thus making: them appear but one question, 



CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 



15 



again until he has finished the full amount of figures, when he 
must make a half stroke. (See example.) 



Ring 



1,2,3, 

1,2. 3,4, 

1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 



1 Ring 1 

1, 2, 3, 4 « 14 

1,2,3 half 143. Thus 143. Now sup- 
pose the number to be 450. 

4 Ring 4 

5 " 45 
half 450. Thus we have 450. 



In these examples the figures are simply brought down to make 
it appear plain to the learner. 

Names or articles can be spelled out in the very same way al- 
phabetically. (Example.) 
Ring A, B. 
" A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, 0. 
« A, B, C, D E. F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, 0. 
" A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K. Ring. Thus we 
have spelled out the word book — and any correspondence can be 
conducted in the very same manner. 

A list of articles generally presented by the audience for de- 
scription : 

Hats, Tooth brushes, Watch guards, 

Caps, Dental instruments, Lady's reticules, 

Gloves, Surgical instruments, Tuning forks, 

Canes, Musical instruments, Pocket slates, 

Watches and chains, Maps, Pass checks, 

Keys, Shawls, Sealing wax, 

Pencils, Cards, Tape lines, 

Rings, Cravats. Locks of hair, 

Books Pens, Opera glasses, 

Coins, Thimbles, Eye glasses, 

Bank notes, Brushes, Lancets, 

Medals, Buttons, Keepsakes, 

Snuff boxes, Mirrors, Umbrellas, 

Tobacco boxes, Garments, Buckles, 

Match boxes, Ribbons, Files, 

Cap boxes, Tape. Bottles, 

Fancy boxes, Laces, Perfumery, 

Strings, Cord, Candy, 

Sticks, Scissors, Fruit, 

Stones, Thread, Spices, 

Paper, Kneedles, Toys, 

Letters, Pins, Miniatures, 

Combs, Muffs, Boots, 

Handkerchiefs, Spectacles, Shoes, 

Breast pins, Cases, Tumblers, 

Pocket knives. Cigars, Cloth, 

Screws, Purses, India-rubber. 

Nails, Veils, Soap, 



16 CLAIRVOYANCE EXPOSED. 



CONCLUSION 

We now have had a brief illustration of the mysteries of " Sec- 
ond Sight," or the pretended art of seeing without eyes. You 
have, I hope, found it to be a pleasant and interestiDg study ; and 
should you wish to introduce the experiments before an audience 
or private party, bring your subject before the visitors ; now take 
a pocket handkerchief and fold it up and place it over the eyes of 
the subject, with face first to the company ; then make a few polite 
remarks respecting the trick as not being clairvoyance, mesmerism* 
ventriloquism, or any other of the popular illusions of the day. 

Now procure some of the articles contained in the list ; after a 
few have been named, remark to the company that you believe the 
subject can see through the handkerchief; and you will please the 
company better by turning your back to them and then describe 
the articles held up ; or should there be an adjoining room conve- 
nient, place your subject in that, under such circumstances, how- 
ever, that they are enabled to hear every sound that is uttered 
distinctly. 

A. B. — Should any articles be presented in the course of your 
experiments not contained in the list, you must then prepare your- 
self with some new cue in the list; in this way you will soon be 
able to swell up the catalogue to a wonderful size, by writing all 
your new questions down on paper and committing them to mem- 
ory as the others. 

Size and weight have been omitted in this work, from the very 
fact that nothing of that order is presented. And when you have 
studied this work sufficiently to give and to answer every question, 
it will be quite sufficient to gratify the taste of every anxious in- 
quirer concerning the ingenious trick of " Second Sight." 



65 
New and Beautiful Tale, by a Great Author, 

NOW READY, 

Just issued from the Press, a beautiful, exciting, and extraordi- 
nary Romance, entitled 

THE BRIDAL CHAMBER, 

AND ITS MYSTERIES; 

OR, 

LIFE AT OUR FASHIONABLE HOTELS. 

BY GEORGE THOMPSON, ESQ., 
["greenhorn,"] 

Author of his own " Autobiography,' 7 " The Actress," " The Lady's 

Garter," " Dashington," cc Jack Harold," and fifty other popular 

Novels, which stamp him as being 

One of the best and most prolific Writers of the Present Age. 

The above-named work, which is the production of a 
writer of undoubted talent and wide-spread celebrity, will be 
found, on perusal, to be one of the most strange and thrilling 
narratives ever issued from the press. Written in the glow- 
ing and graceful manner peculiar to himself, Mr. Thompson 
lias powerfully and graphically depicted the fashions, the 
follies, the vices, and the crimes of the tipper circles of so- 
ciety ^ more particularly as seen among the aristocracy at our 
first-class New York Hotels. His theme, however, has been 
chiefly furnished by the gorgeous Bridal Chambers of the 
different establishments ; and sundry spicy adventures, which 
at various times have taken place therein, are related with a 



66 

racy freedom and a capacity for humorous and voluptuous 
description, that cannot fail to fascinate the reader and almost 
make him a personal spectator of the scenes so vividly drawn 
by a master-hand. This is emphatically 

The Greatest Book of the Times ! 

for it combines the charms of Romance with all the sober 
realities of Truth. The magnificent Palaces on Broadway 
are set forth in all their brilliant array. The sensual mar- 
ried lady of wealth and the licentious parson ; the Philadel- 
phia millionaire and his young and unwilling bride, the latter 
of whom is carried off from the bridal chamber by a fash- 
ionable adventurer ; the South Carolina planter's terrible 
revenge on the seducer of his wife ; these, and numerous 
other thrilling matters, constitute the foundation of the story, 
which is handsomely printed on fine paper, and beautifully 
illustrated with appropriate engravings. 

The work will be sent by mail to any part of the United 
States on receipt of One Dollar, enclosed in a letter (post- 
paid) directed to 

HARRIS & CO., Publishers, 

1 02 Nassau Street, New York. 



BOOKS! BOOKS!! BOOKS!!! 

•>«*»«. 

To those who wish Books that are in reality worth reading, I would call 
attention to the following works. Those fond of reading will find them both 
interesting and informing, and they are printed from new type, on fine white 
paper, and beautifully illustrated by fine artists. Copies of any work sent by 
mail free of postage to any part of the world, on receipt of the price in a letter, 
(post paid.) Any five 25 cent Books sent on receipt of $1.00. Any two 50 
cent books, and one 25 cent book sent on receipt of $1.00. Send in your orders 
and you will receive the books by return of mail. 

EVERY WORK IS ILLUSTRATED. 

The Ladies' Garter, - 25c 

Female Policy Detected, -------- 25c 

The Seducer's Fate, or the Adventures of Zizana, - - - 25c 

Gustavus, the Don Juan of France, ------ 25c 

The Charming Young Man, ------- 25c 

Mary, or the Conscript's Bride, ------- 25c 

Fighting Jules, or the Man with three Mothers, - - l - - 25c 

Cupid among the Parisians, or the Spanish Mistress, - - - 25c 

John, or the Darling of Nature and the Ladies, - - - - 25c 

Monsieur Dupont, or the Married Maid, ----- 25c 

The Pretty Milkmaid of Montfermeil, - - - - - - 25c 

Jenny, or Nine Months wtth a Woman, ------ 25c 

Marriette, or La Femme Entretenoe, -----. 25c 

My Neighbor Raymond, or Love's Doings in Paris, - - - 25c 

The six Mistresses of Pleasure, and the story of Madame de Fleury, 25c 

The White House, - - - - 25c 

The Handsome Cherubino, or Adventures of a General Lover. - 25c 

The Grisettes of Paris, or Wife, Husband, and Lover, - 25c 

The Great City, 25c 

London— a Book of Wonders and Mysteries, 25c 

Memoirs of the Devil, 25c 

The Book of Beauty, with Modes of Improving and Preserving it in 

Man and Woman, - 50c 

Revenge, 25c 

Bristol Bill, 25c 

Venus in Boston, 25c 

Gay Deceiver, 25c 

The Criminal, ---------- 25c 

The Outlaw, 25c 

The Road to Ruin, 25c 

Dissipation, ---------- 25c 

Radcliff, 25c 

House Breaker, --------- 25c 

Adventures of a Pickpocket, 25c 



EVERY WORK IS ILLUSTRATED. 

Evil Genius, .---25c 

Sharps and Flats, - " - - - - - " , - - - - 25c 

Julia King, .--.--.--- 25c 

The Lame Devil, -------- - - 25c 

The Irish Widow, - - - - - - - - - 25c 

Secrets of Generation, --------- 25c 

Harriet Wilson, by herself, ------- 25c 

Madeline the Avenger, --------- 25c 

Paul the Profligate, --------- 25c 

Adventures of a Country Girl, ------- 25c 

Simon the Radical, ---..---- 25c 

Married Woman's Private Medical Guide, - - - - 1.00 

Merry Wives of London, - - - -'- - - - 50c 

Jack Harold, by Greenhorn, 16 Illustrations, ----- 50c 

City Crimes, " " 50c 

Confessions of a Lady Waiting Maid, - - - - - - 50c 

Chevalier D'Faublas, -- - - - - - - 50c 

Tom Brown's Jester, - - - - - - - -- 50c 

Aristotle's Complete Works, - . - - - - - - 1.00 

The Mysteries of Venus, or Lesson of Love, - - - - - 25c 

The Adventures of a Musical Student, - - - - - 25c 

The Amours of Lady Augusta Clayton, ------ 25c 

The History of a Rake, -------- 25c 

The Secret Amours of Napoleon, ------- 25c 

Don Pedro in Search of a Wife, ------- 25c 

The Bar Maid of the Old Point House. ' - 25c 

The Intrigues of Three Days, ------- 25c 

Tales of Twilight, - - - 25c 

The Child of Nature Improved by Chance, - • - - 25c 

Julia, or Where is the Woman that Wouldn't 1 - - - - 25c 

The Adventures of a French Bedstead, ----- 25c 

Brother James, or the Libertine, - - - - - - - 25c 

Secred Habits of Woman, plain, ------ 25c 

" " colored, - 50c 

Memoirs of an Old Man of Twenty-five, ----- 50c 

Amours of Sanfroid and Eulalia, - 50c 

The Mysteries of Women, plain and colored, - 50c 

Asmodeus, or the Iniquities of New York, 25c 

Mary Anne Temple, or the Amours of a Lively Country Girl, six 
illustrations, - 25c 

The Autobiography of P. T. Barnum, sent by mail (free) on receipt of 
$1.25. Let no person extant fail to read the life of the Great Live Yankee 
Showman. 

Address (post paid) P. F. Harris, Publisher, 102 Nassau street, New York, 



1 



AGENTS WANTED, 



I invite Agents, in every nook and corner of the 
world, to sell my popular publications — to whom I 
offer great inducements and a large per centage. 
Agents will find it greatly to their interest to call 
when in the city, or communicate by letter. 

Young men out of employ will find it to their 
advantage to call at my office, or write and learn my 
terms. I publish a new work, to be sold by Agents, 
every two weeks, with a fine Circular. Some of 
my Agents clear from $50 to $75 per month above 
all expenses. 

I have Agents selling my new book, entitled 
" Peter Bunkum, the Great Yankee Showman," — 
describing the " Woolly Horse/ 7 "Fegee Mermaid," 
"Tom Thumb," &c— the Great Book which P. T. 
Barnum tried to get an injunction on, to prevent 
my publishing — who are making $30 per week. I 
have business for a thousand Agents. Young men — 
you who are out of employ — let me see or hear from 
you. 

P. T. HARRIS, Publisher. 

No. 102 Nassau St., N. Y. 

N. B. All letters promptly attended to. 



In Press, and will be Published in a short time, 

The following Book, containing over 150 pages, with numerous 
Illustrations : being a complete ; ' Expose" of " Ancient and Modern 
False Philosophy," Superstition, and Influence of the Imagination ; 
together with an Autobiography of the Life of the Author, his 
Anecdotes, Travels, etc., which he hopes will be found interesting to 
every reader ; but with respect to the various Illusions which have 
' *^ so abundantly been practiced by professors of the numerous phi- 
losophies of the age, which have hitherto, and are at present vitiat- 
ing and augmenting in character the minds of the public, viz. : 
Modern Necromancy, and so-called Spiritual Manifesta- 
tions, Ventriloquism, Natural Magic. Mesmerism, Mental 
Alchemy or Psychology, Fortune Telling, Dreams, Mira- 
cles, Enchantments, etc. 

And seeing the extent of the above popular illusions, I have 
deemed it necessary, from the knowledge and experience of the mat- 
ter, to explain their nature, investigate their origin, describe 
their injurious effects ; then recommend some necessary measures 
for their banishment. 

Yours, respectfully, 

G. W. KIRBYE. 



The Book will be sent by mail, on receipt of $1 00, in a letter 
(post-paid) directed to Prof. G. W. Kirbyk, Chatham Square Post- 
office, New York. 



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